Michael’s back and getting results!

Tongala trainer Michael Watt never thought he would be back training horses full time – but he is, he’s loving it, and he’s getting wins on the board.

Watt has had at least a horse or two in work for most of the past 30 years, but his last stint of full-time training was seven years ago.

However, a decision two months ago to return to professional ranks is being vindicated with four winners in five weeks.

“Getting back into it full time is really due to a couple of groups of new owners, but mainly my nephew Robert Clarke, and (Echuca-based industry stalwarts) Norm and Joan Visca,” Watt said.

“Norm and Joan have been a fabulous support to me, and Robert has always been an owner, on and off, but decided he really wanted to get into it. I’ve also got a couple of new owners in as well, and it all just seemed to come together- and I’m absolutely thriving on the opportunity to get the results for them all,” he said.

Until recently Watt worked his small team at the Alabar Farms, but says the decision to develop his own Tongala property with his partner Bronwyn is aimed at a long-term and growing future in the sport.

“I’ve had the property for a few years but we’re getting things set up so we’re entirely based at home,” Watt said.

“We started about four weeks ago, and we’re about halfway through all that we want to do, in putting in a 1000 metre training track, yards, stables and everything else. So there’s a bit going on at the minute, but I’m loving it.”

Watt said he’d been born into harness racing, with his dad John a trainer and family connections to the Conroy family on his dad’s side.

“Dad and mum (John and Lesley) have always loved the horses and trained a couple as a hobby. Dad’s still got his licence now at 76 and they’re at Korweinguboora, near Ballarat, still breeding a couple each year,” Watt said.

“I was always going to be involved and learnt what I could from anyone. I got my driver’s licence at one stage, and my first two drives were wins. It took me a fair while to get the next one, though, and I worked out driving probably wasn’t for me!” Watt said.

“I worked a bit for Ken Whelan and I used to go over to Adelaide to race, and learnt a lot off Bronte Giorgio. I used to travel a lot with the horses when I was younger and raced some down in Tasmania, just because I’d never been there!

“I’ve always really enjoyed training and have done it full time before, but I think with the facilities and the owners I have now, this is my opportunity to really have a go.”

Watt, who has 11 horses in work, admits he gets most enjoyment out of training trotters, but his latest wins have been with pacers Fullofmischief and Keayang Davinci.

Five-year-old gelding Fullofmischief (Major Bronski – Miss Jules (Jet Laag) took out the Ingelwood Mitre 10 Calder Pacing Cup at Wedderburn on Sunday afternoon. Owned by his parents, it was the pacer’s sixth victory from 26 starts and Watt said the win was particularly satisfying.

“Being able to take this opportunity is a big thanks to a lot of people, but of course my mum and dad have always been my greatest supporters. They always believed I was a good trainer, even when the results weren’t necessarily saying that!” he laughed.

“They’ve ridden the highs and lows with me over the past 12 years. They couldn’t be there on Sunday of course, but it was good to be able to give them a little bit of enjoyment with the win.”

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink